Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technologists image parts of the human body for diagnostic purposes. They work with patients on a daily basis and must be knowledgeable with human anatomy to provide optimum imaging outcomes.

2015 Program Application

Please access the Program Information link to download the program application as well as additional information related to the selection process. The program application deadline is February 25, 2015.

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students to perform various radiologic procedures through didactic as well as clinical experiences. The student Radiologic Technologist instructs and positions patients, manipulates radiographic equipment, adjusts exposure factors, provides radiation protection for patient, self, and others, evaluates the quality of images, and carries out activities associated with quality control. The student Radiologic Technologist carries out these functions under the supervision, or upon the direction of a registered Radiologic Technologist and Radiologist, a physician specializing in radiography for diagnosis and treatment.

The Radiologic Technology program is a five semester, 21-month, 83 credit program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). In addition to providing a quality education in the field of radiography, our program incorporates values and attitudes congruent with the professional standards and ethics as outlined by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

In addition to the sequential classroom requirements outlined in the program curriculum, student radiographers clinically rotate at six clinical education sites. These designated clinical education sites provide students with a wide variety of both inpatient and outpatient imaging services designed to enhance graduate work-readiness skills in imaging and patient care.

Graduates of the Radiologic Technology program are eligible for the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of this exam qualifies the graduate as a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Please visit www.arrt.org for eligibility requirements.

Field Description/Work Environment
Radiologic Technologists (R.T.'s) work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, physicians' offices or outpatient clinics. Radiographers also provide mobile imaging in surgery, emergency room and patient room settings. R.T.'s are responsible for achieving accurate positioning of patients and body structures ensuring that they provide radiologists with quality diagnostic images. Radiologic Technologists work closely with radiologists. A Radiologist is a physician that is responsible for interpreting radiographic images in order to diagnose patient conditions.

Need Direction?

Feel like you need a little more direction? Our GPS LifePlan website helps students set goals and design plans that will lead them to the success they desire. Consult our GPS LifePlan website for information for your career, work, and educational planning!

Program Specific Requirements

2. Completion of the Radiologic Technology program application. The program application window will be open January 1 - February 25 each year. Students cannot complete a program application prior to or after these dates.
* January 1st -- application window opens for applicants to submit their applications and other college transcripts.
* February 25th -- application window closes at the end of the day. All college transcripts are due, and any course substitution paperwork completed.
* March -- scoring of the applications will begin after February 25th, students selected will be notified by mail by the end of March.
Check program website for updates.

3. All applicants must provide documentation of completion or current enrollment in the below courses when submitting a program application;
* Anatomy and Physiology I
* College Algebra
* Composition
* Intro to Chemistry
* Medical Terminology

7. Completion and approval for clinical participation of the Minnesota Department of Humans Services Licensing Division Background Study prior to the start of fall semester. Completion and approval for clinical participation of a National Background Study through Verified Credentials cost $50.

PLEASE NOTE

Health and Human Services students must comply with both Minnesota law and clinical facility requirements related to immunizations and background screenings.

Students who do not comply with the required health and immunization requirements may not be permitted to attend clinical which WILL affect program progression and completion.

Humanities/Fine Arts Electives

Program Learner Outcomes

Mission Statement
Consistent with the mission of Northland Community and Technical College, the Radiologic Technology Program is dedicated to providing a quality educational experience that prepares graduates with the necessary skills and professional attributes required of a competent entry-level Radiologic Technologist. A variety of partnerships with leaders in the healthcare industry will prepare program participants to successfully provide quality radiographic services and care to patients, in support of the regional health care community and beyond.

Program Goals
1. Graduate students that will be clinically competent to fulfill the needs of the healthcare community.
2. Graduate students with a foundation for problem-solving and critical thinking in the healthcare setting.
3. Graduate students with effective communication skills in the healthcare setting.
4. Graduate students that demonstrate professionalism.
5. Conduct annual assessment to assure program effectiveness.

Learner Outcomes
1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in positioning skills.
2. Students will demonstrate radiation safety practices by following the principles of ALARA.
3. Students will identify required criteria for routine radiographic images.
4. Students will apply basic patient care skills.
5. Students will apply critical thinking and utilize independent judgment in respect to positioning when exams deviate from the routine.
6. Students will analyze radiographic images to determine corrective action needed.
7. Students will demonstrate effective communication with patients with respect to diversity.
8. Students will demonstrate effective communication with the healthcare team.
9. Students will exhibit professional behaviors in the healthcare setting.
10. Students will demonstrate a desire to grow professionally through active participation in educational opportunities and continuing education.

Employment Outlook & Opportunities

Northland Career Center

Counselors are available in the Career Center to assist with career advising, job search resources, employer connections, occupational descriptions, employment outlook, earnings, education/training requirements and sources.

Radiologic Technologists also called Radiographers or "x-ray techs" images parts of the human body for diagnostic purposes. They work with patients on a daily basis and must be knowledgeable with human anatomy to provide optimum imaging outcomes. Radiographers may work in hospitals, physicians' offices or outpatient clinics. Radiographers also provide mobile imaging in surgery, emergency room and patient room settings. Since Radiographers work with radiation, they must follow radiation protection practices to protect themselves, patients and other members of the healthcare team from unnecessary radiation exposure.

The Registered Radiologic Technologist is qualified to work in such settings as clinics, hospitals, physicians offices, public health projects, industrial plants, and Veterans and Armed Forces hospitals. The entry level position is generally as a staff member in a radiology department. With additional education and/or experience, one may also become a manager or supervisor in such a department, or function in nuclear medicine, special procedures, radiation therapy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and ultrasound departments.

The employment outlook radiologic technologists in the state of Minnesota from 2010 to 2020 is 34.5%, a very high growth career.